Natural and artificial regeneration success and growth performance in post-fire Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) stands

Abstract

This study was conducted in Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) stands located within the boundaries of Çandır Forest Sub-District Directorate, Sütçüler Forest Enterprise Directorate, Isparta Regional Directorate of Forestry, which were regenerated naturally and artificially following the forest fire that occurred in 2021. For this purpose, two sites representing natural and artificial regeneration were selected, and three sample plots were established in each site. Thirty seedlings were randomly selected from each sample plot, resulting in a total of 180 seedlings, and their root collar diameter and seedling height were measured. The data were analyzed using an independent-samples Student’s t-test. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the natural and artificial regeneration sites in terms of root collar diameter and seedling height (p > 0.05). The regeneration success rate was 75% in the natural regeneration site and 80% in the artificial regeneration site. The findings indicate that natural regeneration can be successfully applied when suitable seed sources, sufficient seed availability, and favorable post-fire site conditions are present. Therefore, where an adequate amount of seed from suitable provenances is available after fire, natural regeneration may be considered a viable regeneration option.